Young lefty Huffman looking to 'stand out' in Jays' system

Toronto Blue Jays' prospect Grayson Huffman poses for a photo at the Bobby Mattick Training Center. He had a 3.93 ERA through 34 1/3 innings with the Short-Season class-A Vancouver Canadians in 2017. Photo Credit: Ashley Taylor

By Ashley Taylor

Toronto Observer

DUNEDIN, Fla . -- Standing out is nothing new to Grayson Huffman, now the goal is to keep improving.

From a young age, the 2014 sixth-round pick of the Toronto Blue Jays was above the crowd and had coaches telling him he could be a pitcher, noting his strong left arm.

Moving up continues to be the goal.

“I would like to make the High-A Dunedin team after spring training,” said Huffman, who had a 3.93 ERA through 34 1/3 innings with the Short-Season class-A Vancouver Canadians in 2017. “I’d like to climb the ladder a little bit this season, maybe move up a level or two.

“So, for spring training my goal is to throw strikes and to see an improvement each time I go out.”

The lefty pitcher hopes these goals will help him advance in the Blue Jays organization, and the prospect is currently working on two variations of a slider to add to his pitch selection.

In order to see those improvements, he turns to other athletes.

“I’ve just learned to appreciate what they do, and pick their brains if I get a chance,” said Huffman, standing at the Bobby Mattick Training Centre.

The 22-year-old believes staying positive is key.

“You can’t get to where you want to be in just one day,” Huffman said. “Sometimes you have to pick one thing to work on at a time, it’s going to take a while to get to where you envision yourself in the future.

“Standing out in this business is really tough, so probably my biggest goal is to stand out.”